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The practical considerations of dose constraints in diagnosticmedical departments using ionizing radiation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 November 2013

H. Piwowarska-Bilska*
Affiliation:
Department of Nuclear Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland.
M. Nowak
Affiliation:
Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland.
M. H. Listewnik
Affiliation:
Department of Nuclear Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland.
P. Zorga
Affiliation:
Department of Nuclear Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland.
B. Birkenfeld
Affiliation:
Department of Nuclear Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland.
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Abstract

The term “dose constraint” has been used in radiological protection since 1990. Itspractical application has varied from country to country to the present day. The authorsof this paper believe that it is an underestimated tool for the purpose of radiologicalprotection. This study aims to estimate local dose constraints for workers in conventionalnuclear medicine and radiology departments, on the basis of doses received in the last 3to 4 years by different groups of workers. The levels of exposure to employees of thenuclear medicine department correspond well to levels in other countries, but foremployees belonging to the radiology department, the levels are significantly lower.Unification of the practical application of dose constraints and legislation concerningtheir specific values would increase the relevance and effectiveness of these operationalunits. This is a playing field for radiation safety officers for the determination andwidespread publication of local dose constraints in their particular medical departments.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© EDP Sciences, 2013

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